Asphalt poured at Deep River Township nature trail

DEEP RIVER TWP. — The nature trail at the Deep River Township grounds is much smoother after a blacktop surface was laid down July 29.

Karlia Kroczaleski-Raymond, Deep River Township Clerk, said the surface covers the entirety of the approximately 1,500-foot long, eight-foot wide trail.

She said the project was undertaken to give residents of the township and surrounding area a chance for recreational activity.

“We just wanted somewhere were people can go and walk and it’s a little bit natural,” Kroczaleski-Raymond said. “Eventually, we’re going to put up signs to identify trees. Being handicapped-accessible was a really big thing for it.”

More improvements will be made around the township grounds in the near future, she added.

“In the next week or two, we’re going to be setting picnic tables,” Kroczaleski-Raymond said.

Kroczaleski-Raymond said funding for the nature trail was courtesy of 2 percent gaming allocation grants from the Saginaw-Chippewa Indian Tribe and grants from Compassionate Care in Sterling.

“The township has been using 2 percent money from the tribe for it,” she said. “And last year, Compassionate Care gave us $10,000 for it. This year, they gave us another $10,000. … Last year, we put several thousands into it.”

According to Kroczaleski-Raymond, the project began three years ago, about when former Standish-Sterling student Matt Prohaska started working on the trail for his Eagle Scout project.

“He actually laid out where the trail would go,” she said. “He did the rough clearing and built the bridge.”

Kroczaleski-Raymond said more improvements are planned on the township grounds in the future. She said new playground equipment will be purchased down the road.